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New guy with some questions in P.A.

08-01-2012, 12:06 PM

Hello,
My better half decided she wants to open up a lawn care/Landscaping business. I just don't know where to start with all the licenses. I tried to talk with a few companies around me, but they all say pretty much the same about talking to a lawyer and a accountant. I called a few lawyers and they are out of there minds on what they charge. I have talked to an accountant, that was very helpful. He explained all the llc, and sole proprietors and other things. She is thinking about going with a SP for now till she starts making real money. Then form a llc. Anyways I'm just not sure about all the other licenses she needs. Everyone that I talked with told me something different. If someone on here from P.A. Can help, I would really appreciate it.
I was told by some if I spread mulch, do anything with raise flower bed or pavers that I need a HIC (contractors license) though the attorney general. While others told me I didn't need it. Do I need it?
As a SP I was told again by some I need to register in every county I do work in. If I do where do I register (online or though the court house) ?
I was also told I need a tax id number and ein numbers. She is not going to have any employees for at least a few years till she gets up and running and need more help. Also by using ss#'s does she need a tax id number, I thought the ss#'s is used for tax's?
Anyways I don't want to be to long winded in this post. If anyone can help us out, it would be greatly appreciated. Also If I missed any permits or licenses please let me know. I don't mind getting or spending money for what she needs to make everything legal. Also if anyone would have time to spend with us and help I'll gladly give you my number and we can set something up and talk.

There is no "license" required for general lawn care. (mowing and such)
If you apply chemicals you need to be licensed to do so.

As for the HIC registration, I'll provide the link and you can read all the details.http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx
I applied for mine because when I started I was doing "handyman" jobs as well, and most of those jobs required the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. I can't say for sure if "mulch" is a "home improvement" - you'd have to read up on it.

Tax ID and EIN (Employee Identification Number)... aren't those the same thing? I'm not sure. I know I have an EIN - you don't need to have employees to have/use an EIN.
I think you can use a SS # in place of the above if you want, but check on that.

You may want to check with your local municipality to see if there are any restrictions/requirements for operating a home-based business.
I had to apply for a permit to do so. It was a one-time fee and I was approved, but had I not done so, I could have been shut down as a result.

Comment

There is no "license" required for general lawn care. (mowing and such)
If you apply chemicals you need to be licensed to do so.

As for the HIC registration, I'll provide the link and you can read all the details.http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx
I applied for mine because when I started I was doing "handyman" jobs as well, and most of those jobs required the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. I can't say for sure if "mulch" is a "home improvement" - you'd have to read up on it.

Tax ID and EIN (Employee Identification Number)... aren't those the same thing? I'm not sure. I know I have an EIN - you don't need to have employees to have/use an EIN.
I think you can use a SS # in place of the above if you want, but check on that.

.

The definition in my state for HIC is anything permanent. For some reason mulch is considered permanent. That makes no sense since it decomposes.

If your a sole proprietor you can use you social security. If your a LLC you need a tax id since the business is a separate entity.

Comment

There is no "license" required for general lawn care. (mowing and such)
If you apply chemicals you need to be licensed to do so.

As for the HIC registration, I'll provide the link and you can read all the details.http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx
I applied for mine because when I started I was doing "handyman" jobs as well, and most of those jobs required the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. I can't say for sure if "mulch" is a "home improvement" - you'd have to read up on it.

Tax ID and EIN (Employee Identification Number)... aren't those the same thing? I'm not sure. I know I have an EIN - you don't need to have employees to have/use an EIN.
I think you can use a SS # in place of the above if you want, but check on that.

You may want to check with your local municipality to see if there are any restrictions/requirements for operating a home-based business.
I had to apply for a permit to do so. It was a one-time fee and I was approved, but had I not done so, I could have been shut down as a result.

Comment

Thank you Headgemaster and Sectlandscaping, you have pointed me in the right direction. Wish I would of found this site months ago. We've been going in circles till now. I'm going to check with my local municipality in the morning to see what I need to do and then read the links you posted.

There is a lot of good info on this site. I've been reading posts for hours now. I don't think my mind can handle anymore today lol. I'm sure I'm going to become a regular on here.

Thank you both for helping

Comment

Good luck in your business! It is a lot to figure out. When we decided to start up, the paperwork was overwhelming. We got a company name, tax id # and an accountant. As time went by we got tax exempt at some retailers to save money when we buy shrubs, mulch etc....

Comment

There is no "license" required for general lawn care. (mowing and such)
If you apply chemicals you need to be licensed to do so.

As for the HIC registration, I'll provide the link and you can read all the details.http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx
I applied for mine because when I started I was doing "handyman" jobs as well, and most of those jobs required the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. I can't say for sure if "mulch" is a "home improvement" - you'd have to read up on it.

Tax ID and EIN (Employee Identification Number)... aren't those the same thing? I'm not sure. I know I have an EIN - you don't need to have employees to have/use an EIN.
I think you can use a SS # in place of the above if you want, but check on that.

You may want to check with your local municipality to see if there are any restrictions/requirements for operating a home-based business.
I had to apply for a permit to do so. It was a one-time fee and I was approved, but had I not done so, I could have been shut down as a result.

Comment

What is the Pa Number that is listed in the window on your truck, Just wondered what it is and when I'll need it being from PA.

HIC number...http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx
I applied for mine because when I started I was doing "handyman" jobs as well, and most of those jobs required the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration.

Comment

Sorry it's been a while, but I finally have everything up and running. I just want to thank you guys again. I'm sure this won't be the last time you hear from me. I found lots of good info here from reading here.